Multi-element cover for a multi-camera endoscope

ABSTRACT

There is provided herein a tip section of a multi-camera endoscope, the tip section comprising: a front looking camera and a front discrete illuminator to essentially illuminate the Field Of View (FOV) of said front looking camera; a right side looking camera and a right discrete illuminator to essentially illuminate the FOV of said right side looking camera; a left side looking camera and a left discrete illuminator to essentially illuminate the FOV of said left side looking camera; and a multi component cover configured to cover and seal said tip section such as to essentially prevent entry of fluids from the environment of said endoscope to inner parts of said tip section.

CROSS-REFERENCE

The present application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/791,314, entitled “Multi-Element Cover for aMulti-Camera Endoscope” and filed on Jul. 3, 2015, which is acontinuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/984,028,of the same title, filed on Aug. 22, 2013, and issued as U.S. Pat. No.9,101,266 on Aug. 11, 2015, which is a national stage entry applicationof PCT Application Number PCT/IL2012/050037, of the same title and filedon Feb. 6, 2012, which relies on U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.61/439,948, filed on Feb. 7, 2011, for priority. All of theaforementioned applications are herein incorporated by reference.

FIELD

Embodiments of the disclosure relate to a multi element cover to a tipsection of a multi-camera endoscope.

BACKGROUND

Endoscopes have attained great acceptance within the medical community,since they provide a means for performing procedures with minimalpatient trauma, while enabling the physician to view the internalanatomy of the patient. Over the years, numerous endoscopes have beendeveloped and categorized according to specific applications, such ascystoscopy, colonoscopy, laparoscopy, upper GI endoscopy and others.Endoscopes may be inserted into the body's natural orifices or throughan incision in the skin.

An endoscope is usually an elongated tubular shaft, rigid or flexible,having a video camera or a fiber optic lens assembly at its distal end.The shaft is connected to a handle, which sometimes includes an ocularfor direct viewing. Viewing is also usually possible via an externalscreen. Various surgical tools may be inserted through a working channelin the endoscope for performing different surgical procedures.

Endoscopes, such as colonoscopes, that are currently being used,typically have a front camera for viewing the internal organ, such asthe colon, an illuminator, a fluid injector for cleaning the camera lensand sometimes also the illuminator and a working channel for insertionof surgical tools, for example, for removing polyps found in the colon.Often, endoscopes also have fluid injectors (“jet”) for cleaning a bodycavity, such as the colon, into which they are inserted. Theilluminators commonly used are fiber optics which transmit light,generated remotely, to the endoscope tip section. The use oflight-emitting diodes (LEDs) for illumination is also known.

Among the disadvantages of such endoscopes, are their limited field ofview and their complicated packing of all the required elements, such aselectronics and fiber optics together with fluid carrying elements inthe small sized endoscope tip section. Other problem of the existingendoscopes is the difficult assembling of the gentle electroniccomponents, which are often damaged by the assembling process itself.Another problem of the existing endoscopes is the complicated sealing ofthe parts, specifically in the tip section of the endoscope. Sealing ofthe tip section remains a challenge particularly due to the complexenvironment in which the endoscope is intended to operate.

There is thus a need in the art for endoscopes, such as colonoscopes,that allow a broader field of view and also enable the efficientpacking, assembling and sealing of all necessary elements in the tipsection, while maintaining their function.

The foregoing examples of the related art and limitations relatedtherewith are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive. Otherlimitations of the related art will become apparent to those of skill inthe art upon a reading of the specification and a study of the figures.

SUMMARY

The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described andillustrated in conjunction with systems, tools and methods which aremeant to be exemplary and illustrative, not limiting in scope.

According to some embodiments, there is provided a tip section of amulti-camera endoscope, the tip section comprising: a front-pointingcamera and a discrete front illuminator associated therewith; one ormore side-pointing cameras and one or more discrete side illuminatorsassociated therewith; and a multi component cover configured to coverthe inner parts of the tip section.

According to some embodiments, there is provided a tip section of amulti-camera endoscope, the tip section comprising: a front lookingcamera and a front discrete illuminator to essentially illuminate theField Of View (FOV) of the front looking camera; a right side lookingcamera and a right discrete illuminator to essentially illuminate theFOV of the right side looking camera; a left side looking camera and aleft discrete illuminator to essentially illuminate the FOV of the leftside looking camera; and a multi component cover configured to cover andseal the tip section such as to essentially prevent entry of fluids fromthe environment of the endoscope to inner parts of the tip section.

According to some embodiments, the multi component cover comprises: afront-side component configured to cover a front part and a side part ofthe tip section; and a side component configured to cover another sidepart of the tip section, wherein the front-side component and the sidecomponent are configured to abut to cover the tip section. Thefront-side component may be configured to cover the front part and aright side part of the tip section and wherein the side component isconfigured to cover a left side part of the tip section. The front-sidecomponent may be configured to cover the front part and a left side partof the tip section and wherein the side component is configured to covera right side part of the tip section.

According to some embodiments, the multi component cover comprises: afront component configured to cover a front part; a right side componentconfigured to cover a right side part of the tip section; and a leftside component configured to cover a left side part of the tip section;wherein the front, right side and left side components are configured toabut to cover the tip section.

According to some embodiments, the multi component cover comprises: amain component configured to cover the majority of the tip section; anda removable window component configured to cover a window openinglocated on the main component, wherein the removable window component isconfigured to allow access to an inner part of the tip section withoutremoving the main component.

According to some embodiments, the multi component cover comprises: adistal component configured to cover a distal part of the tip section;and a proximal component configured to cover a proximal part of the tipsection, wherein the distal component and the proximal component areconfigured to abut to cover the tip section. According to someembodiments, the distal component may have a shape of a cylinder havinga side wall and a front face, the front face is configured to cover afront part of the tip section and the proximal component has a shape ofa cylinder having a side wall. According to some embodiments, the distalcomponent may be configured for assembling over an inner part of the tipsection from a distal part of the tip section and wherein the proximalcomponent is configured for assembling over the inner part of the tipsection from a proximal part of the tip section, such that the distalcomponent and the proximal component are configured to join each otheralong a connection line, (which may be essentially perpendicular to thelength of the tip section, for example, along an imaginary line extendedbetween the two side cameras), such that the assembling does not causedamage to the a right/left side looking cameras or optical assembliesthereof.

The multi component cover further comprises optical windows for one ormore of: the front discrete illuminator, the right discrete illuminator,and the left discrete illuminator.

The multi component cover may further comprise openings for one or moreof: the front looking camera and/or an optical assembly thereof, theright side looking camera and/or an optical assembly thereof, and theleft side looking camera and/or an optical assembly thereof.

The multi component cover may further comprise a fluid channelingcomponent adapted to channel fluid for insufflations and/or irrigation.The fluid channeling component may be a unitary component comprising afront fluid channel leading to a front opening at a distal end of theunitary fluid channeling component, for cleaning one or more frontoptical elements of the tip section, and a side fluid channel leading toa left side opening and to a right side opening in the unitary fluidchanneling component, for cleaning side optical elements of the tipsection. The unitary fluid channeling component further comprises aworking channel adapted for the insertion of a medical tool. The unitaryfluid channeling component further comprises a jet fluid channel adaptedto clean a body cavity into which the endoscope is inserted.

According to some embodiments, the multi component cover may furtherinclude openings for one or more of: a front I/I injector and/or anozzle thereof, a side I/I injector and/or a nozzle thereof, a jet fluidchannel, and a working channel.

According to some embodiments, the front looking camera, the frontdiscrete illuminator, the right side looking camera, the right discreteilluminator, the left side looking camera, and the left discreteilluminator are configured to be installed on a single electroniccircuit board.

According to some embodiments, the tip section has a diameter of about17 mm or less. According to some embodiments, the tip section has adiameter of about 12 mm or less. According to some embodiments, the tipsection has a diameter of about 10 mm or less. According to someembodiments, the tip section has a diameter of about 7 mm or less.

According to some embodiments, there is provided a method for assemblinga multi component cover on a tip section of a multi-camera endoscope,the method comprising: installing one or more optical windows on a firstpart of a multi component cover; installing the first part of an innerpart of a tip section; installing one or more optical windows on asecond part of the multi component cover; and installing the second partof the inner part of the tip section.

According to some embodiments, the first part of the multi componentcover comprises: a front-side component configured to cover a front partand a side part of the tip section; and the second part of the multicomponent cover comprises: a side component configured to cover anotherside part of the tip section, wherein the front-side component and theside component are configured to abut to cover the tip section. Thefront-side component may be configured to cover the front part and aright side part of the tip section and wherein the side component isconfigured to cover a left side part of the tip section. The front-sidecomponent may be configured to cover the front part and a left side partof the tip section and wherein the side component is configured to covera right side part of the tip section.

According to some embodiments, the first part of the multi componentcover comprises a front component configured to cover a front part;wherein the second part of the multi component cover comprises a rightside component configured to cover a right side part of the tip section;wherein the a third part of the multi component cover comprises a leftside component configured to cover a left side part of the tip section;and wherein the front, right side and left side components areconfigured to abut to cover the tip section.

According to some embodiments, the first part of the multi componentcover comprises a main component configured to cover the majority of thetip section; and wherein the second part of the multi component covercomprises a removable window component configured to cover a windowopening located on the main component, wherein the removable windowcomponent is configured to allow access to an inner part of the tipsection without removing the main component.

According to some embodiments, the first part of the multi componentcover comprises a distal component configured to cover a distal part ofthe tip section; and wherein the second part of the multi componentcover comprises a proximal component configured to cover a proximal partof the tip section, wherein the distal component and the proximalcomponent are configured to abut to cover the tip section. The distalcomponent may have a shape of a cylinder having a side wall and a frontface, the front face is configured to cover a front part of the tipsection and the proximal component has a shape of a cylinder having aside wall.

According to some embodiments, any one of the parts (components) of themulti component cover may include a cannel/cavity, for example, alongone or more edges of the part (component), on an external and/orinternal part of the part (component). The cannel/cavity may beconfigured to contain one or more adhesives, such as glue, forconnecting the parts (components) to each other and thus allowing bettersealing of the tip cover.

According to some embodiments, there is provided herein an endoscopecomprising the tip section as described herein. According to someembodiments, there is provided herein a colonoscope comprising the tipsection as described herein.

According to some embodiments, there is provided herein a multi-cameraendoscope, such as a colonoscope, comprising the tip section disclosedherein. According to some embodiments, the tip section of an endoscope(such a colonoscope) is the most distal part of the endoscope whichterminates the endoscope. The tip section is turnable by way of abending section connected thereto.

More details and features of the current invention and its embodimentsmay be found in the description and the attached drawings.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materialssimilar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in thepractice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods andmaterials are described below. In case of conflict, the patentspecification, including definitions, will control. In addition, thematerials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intendedto be limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in referenced figures. Dimensionsof components and features shown in the figures are generally chosen forconvenience and clarity of presentation and are not necessarily shown toscale. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed hereinare to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive. The figuresare listed below:

FIG. 1a schematically depicts an isometric view of a tip section of anendoscope (including an electronic circuit board carrying cameras andillumination sources, and fluid channeling component), having a multicomponent tip cover (shown in an exploded view), according to anexemplary embodiment of the current invention;

FIG. 1b schematically depicts an isometric view of the tip section ofFIG. 1a , having an assembled multi component tip cover, according tosome exemplary embodiments of the current invention;

FIG. 2 schematically depicts an isometric view of a tip section of anendoscope (including an electronic circuit board carrying cameras andillumination sources, and a fluid channeling component), having a multicomponent tip cover (shown in an exploded view), according to anexemplary embodiment of the current invention;

FIG. 3 schematically depicts an exploded view of a multi component tipcover, according to an exemplary embodiment of the current invention;

FIG. 4a schematically depicts an isometric view of a tip section of anendoscope (including an electronic circuit board carrying cameras andillumination sources, and a fluid channeling component), having a multicomponent tip cover (shown in an exploded view), according to anexemplary embodiment of the current invention;

FIG. 4b schematically depicts an isometric view of the tip section ofFIG. 4a , having a multi component tip cover (partially in an explodedview), according to an exemplary embodiment of the current invention;and

FIG. 4c schematically depicts an isometric view of the tip section ofFIGS. 4a-b having an assembled multi component tip cover, according toan exemplary embodiment of the current invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While a number of exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussedabove, those of skill in the art will recognize certain modifications,permutations, additions and sub-combinations thereof. It is thereforeintended that the following appended claims and claims hereafterintroduced be interpreted to include all such modifications,permutations, additions and sub-combinations as are within their truespirit and scope.

In the description and claims of the application, each of the words“comprise” “include” and “have”, and forms thereof, are not necessarilylimited to members in a list with which the words may be associated.

Reference is now made to FIG. 1a , which schematically depicts anisometric view of a tip section of an endoscope (including an electroniccircuit board carrying cameras and illumination sources, and a fluidchanneling component), having a multi component tip cover (shown in anexploded view), according to an exemplary embodiment of the currentinvention and to FIG. 1b , which schematically depicts an isometric viewof the tip section of FIG. 1a , having an assembled multi component tipcover, according to some exemplary embodiments of the current invention.

Tip section 100 generally includes an inner part 110 which includeselectronics (such as cameras, circuit board such as electronic circuitboard 400, illumination sources, such as LEDs etc.), fluid channels(such as fluid channeling component 600) and a multi-element tip cover700. Multi-element tip cover 700 is designed to fit over the inner partsof the tip section 100, and to provide protection to the internalcomponents in the inner part. Multi-element tip cover 700 includes,according to this embodiment, three parts: a front component 710configured to cover a front part of the tip section; a right sidecomponent 730 configured to cover a right side part of the tip section;and a left side component 750 configured to cover a left side part ofthe tip section, wherein the front, right side and left side componentsare configured to abut each other to cover the tip section, in such waythat they cover essentially all inner parts of the tip section.

Front component 710 includes hole 736 configured to align with (andaccommodate) front optical assembly 236 of forwards looking camera 116;optical windows 242 a, 242 b and 242 c of LEDs 240 a, 240 b and 240 c;distal opening 340 of a working channel 640; distal opening 344 of a jetfluid channel 644; and irrigation and insufflation (I/I) injector 346having a nozzle 348 (aligning with opening 664 of fluid channelingcomponent 600).

Left side component 750 includes hole 756 b configured to align with(and accommodate) side optical assembly 256 b of side looking camera 220b; optical windows 252 a and 252 b of LEDs 250 a and 250 b on both sidesof optical assembly 256 b; side I/I injector 266 b adapted to align withside I/I opening 666 b of fluid component 600. Also seen in FIGS. 1a andb are nozzles 267 a and b for right side I/I injector (not shown) andleft side I/I injector 266 b respectively.

Right side component 730 includes similar elements (not shown) as leftside component 750.

Left side component 750 and right side component 730 are each in a shapeof essentially half a cylinder (without top and bottom).

Front component 710 has essentially a cup shape having two opposing arms712 and 714 extending perpendicularly to the cup bottom (which may alsobe referred to as the cup's front face) and protruding from the cupedges. Upon assembling of the tip cover components, front component 710may be installed first, and then the side components such that theirlong edges meet each other on both sides over arms 712 and 714 to assuresealing (FIG. 1b ). Adhesives, such as glue, may be added, for example,in cavities 716 (along the external parts of the edges of component710), 718 (along the internal edges of component 730) and 720 (along theinternal edges of component 750) to allow complete sealing of tipsection 100.

Multi-element tip covers according to embodiments of the invention, suchas multi-element tip cover 700 or any other multi-element tip cover asdisclosed herein, solves a significant problem that exists in the artwhen attempts are made to pack all necessary components into the smallinner volume of an endoscope tip and to cover and seal these components.Regular cup shaped tip covers are used for standard tips having just onefront camera. However, when standard cup shaped tip covers are used tocover the multi-camera tip, protruding inner tip elements, such aslenses or other parts of the side optical assemblies, are often damagedduring the sliding of the cover over them. Using a multi-element tipcover may solve this problem. In addition, a multi-element tip coverassists in aiming its holes/openings/windows exactly at their rightplace over the corresponding tip inner elements. This is almostimpossible using a unitary piece cover. Moreover, separately sealingeach one of the elements of the multi-element tip cover improves theoverall sealing of the tip due to better access to each element (forexample an optical window) compared to the limited access of the sameelement in a unitary piece cover, such as a cup shaped cover. Separatelysealing (and optionally checking for satisfactory sealing) of each oneof the elements of the multi-element tip cover may be performed prior toassembling of the cover. This may also improve the sealing of the tip.

According to an embodiment of the current invention, tip section 100 ofan endoscope comprises at least a forwards looking camera and at leastone side looking camera. Tip section 100 is turnable by way of aflexible shaft (not shown) which may also be referred to as a bendingsection, for example a vertebra mechanism).

In some embodiments, the front-looking camera and/or any of theside-looking cameras comprises a Charge Coupled Device (CCD) or aComplementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor.

It is noted that the term “endoscope” as mentioned to herein may referparticularly to a colonoscope, according to some embodiments, but is notlimited only to colonoscopes. The term “endoscope” may refer to anyinstrument used to examine the interior of a hollow organ or cavity ofthe body.

Tip section 100 may include front optical assembly 236 of forwardslooking camera 116. Optical axis of forwards looking camera 116 issubstantially directed along the long dimension of the endoscope.However, since forward looking camera 116 is typically a wide anglecamera, its Field Of View (FOV) may include viewing directions at largeangles to its optical axis. It should be noted that number ofillumination sources such as LEDs used for illumination of the FOV mayvary (for example, 1-5 LEDs may be used on a front face of tip section100). Distal opening 340 of a working channel 640 is also located on thefront face of tip section 100, such that a surgical tool insertedthrough working channel tube, and through the working channel 640 in theendoscope's tip section 100 and deployed beyond the front face may beviewed by forwards looking camera 116.

Distal opening 344 of a jet fluid channel 644 is also located on thefront face of tip section 100. Distal opening 344 of a jet fluid channel644 may be used for providing high pressure jet of fluid such as wateror saline for cleaning the walls of the body cavity.

Also located on the front face of tip section 100 is an irrigation andinsufflation (I/I) injector 346 having a nozzle 348 aimed at frontoptical assembly 236. I/I injector 346 may be used for injecting fluid(liquid and/or gas) to wash contaminants such as blood, feces and otherdebris from front optical assembly 236 of forwards looking camera 116.Optionally, the same injector is used for cleaning front opticalassembly 236 and one, two or all of optical windows 242 a, 242 b and 242c. I/I injector 346 may be fed by fluid such as water and/or gas whichmay be used for cleaning and/or inflating a body cavity.

Visible on a left side of tip section 100 is the side camera (sidelooking camera) element 256 b of side looking camera 220 b and opticalwindows 252 a and 252 b of LEDs 250 a and 250 b for camera 220 b. Asecond side looking camera (not shown) is positioned on the right sideof the tip and can be similar to camera 220 b. Optical axis of thesecond side looking camera is substantially directed perpendicular tothe long dimension of the endoscope. Optical axis of side looking camera220 b is substantially directed perpendicular to the long dimension ofthe endoscope. However, since side looking camera 220 b and the secondside looking camera are typically wide angle cameras, their fields ofview may include viewing directions at large angles to their opticalaxes.

Side I/I injector 266 b having a nozzle 267 b aimed at side opticalassembly 256 b may be used for injecting fluid to wash contaminants suchas blood, feces and other debris from side optical assembly 256 b ofside looking camera. The fluid may include gas which may be used forinflating a body cavity. Optionally, the same injector is used forcleaning both side optical assembly 256 b and optical windows 252 aand/or 252 b. It is noted that according to some embodiments, the tipmay include more than one window and LEDs, on the side and more than onewindow and LEDs in the front (for example, 1-5 windows and two LEDs onthe side). Similar configuration of I/I injector and nozzle (not shown)exists for cleaning the optical assembly and optical windows (not shown)located on the other side of tip 100. The I/I injectors are configuredto clean all or a part of these windows/LEDs. In various embodiments,left side I/I injector 266 b, right side I/I injector (not shown), andfront side I/I injector 344 are fed from the same channel.

It is noted that the right side wall (not shown) and left side wall 362have a form of an essentially flat surface which assists in directingthe cleaning fluid injected from the right side I/I injector (not shown)and the left side injector 266 b towards the right side optical assemblyand windows and the left side optical assembly 256 b and optical windows252 a and/or 252 b respectively. Lack of such flat surface may result indripping of the cleaning fluid along the curved surface of tip section100 of the endoscope without performing the desired cleaning action.

It should be noted that while only one side looking camera can be seenin FIGS. 1a and b , preferably at least two side looking cameras arelocated within tip section 100. When two side looking cameras are used,the side looking cameras are preferably installed such that their fieldof views are substantially opposing. However, different configurationsand number of side looking cameras are possible within the general scopeof the current invention.

According to some embodiments, the circuit board used for carryingelectronic components, such as cameras and/or LEDs, may be a flexiblecircuit board that may consume less space and leaves more volume foradditional necessary features. The flexibility of the board adds anotherdimension in space that can be used for components positioning.

The use of a flexible circuit board, according to embodiments of theinvention, can significantly increase reliability of the electricmodules connection thereto as no wires are for components connectivity.In addition, according to some embodiments, the components assembly canbe machined and automatic.

The use of a flexible circuit board, according to some embodiments ofthe invention, may also allow components (parts) movement andmaneuverability during assembly of the camera head (tip of theendoscope) while maintaining a high level of reliability. The use of thecircuit board, according to some embodiments of the invention, may alsosimplify the (tip) assembling process.

According to some embodiments, a flexible circuit board may be connectedto the control unit via multi wire cable; this cable may be welded onthe board in a designated location, freeing additional space within thetip assembly and adding flexibility to cable access. Assembling themulti wire cable directly to the electrical components was a majorchallenge which is mitigated by the use of the flexible board accordingto embodiments of the invention.

Reference is now made to FIG. 2, which schematically depicts anisometric view of a tip section of an endoscope (including an electroniccircuit board carrying cameras and illumination sources, and a fluidchanneling component), having a multi component tip cover (shown in anexploded view), according to an exemplary embodiment of the currentinvention. Tip section 200 generally includes an inner part 210 whichmay be similar to inner part 110 of tip section 100 of FIGS. 1 a-b and amulti-element tip cover 800. Multi-element tip cover 800 is designed tofit over the inner parts of the tip section 200, and to provideprotection to the internal components in the inner part. Multi-elementtip cover 800 includes, according to this embodiment, a main component830 configured to cover the majority of the tip section; and a removablewindow component 850 configured to cover a window opening 860 located onmain component 830, such that removable window component 850 isconfigured to allow access to an inner part 210 of tip section 200without removing main component 830. This may allow fixing or replacingone of the components of inner part 210 (such as a LED, an opticalelement or any other element) without removing main component 830 anddamaging the packing and sealing of tip section 200.

Main component 830 has essentially a cup shape having a front face partconfigured to cover the front face of tip section 200 and cup edgesconfigured to cover the side surface of tip section 200.

Main component 830 may further includes front and side holes, openings,windows and surfaces similar to those of multi-component cover 700 ofFIGS. 1a and b.

Reference is now made to FIG. 3, which schematically depicts an explodedview of a multi component tip cover, according to an exemplaryembodiment of the current invention. Multi-element tip cover 900 isdesigned to fit over the inner part (not shown) of a tip section and toprovide protection to the internal components in the inner part.Multi-element tip cover 900 includes, according to this embodiment, afront-side component 930 configured to cover a front part and a sidepart of the tip section and a side component 950 configured to coveranother side part of the tip section, wherein front-side component 930and side component 950 are configured to abut to cover the tip section.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 4a-c . FIG. 4a schematically depicts anisometric view of a tip section of an endoscope (including an electroniccircuit board carrying cameras and illumination sources, an electroniccircuit board holder, a fluid channeling component), having a multicomponent tip cover (shown in an exploded view), according to anexemplary embodiment of the current invention. FIG. 4b schematicallydepicts an isometric view of the tip section of FIG. 4a , having a multicomponent tip cover (partially in an exploded view), according to anexemplary embodiment of the current invention. FIG. 4c schematicallydepicts an isometric view of the tip section of FIGS. 4a-b having amulti component tip cover, according to an exemplary embodiment of thecurrent invention.

Tip section 1000 generally includes an inner part 1100 which includeselectronics (such as cameras, circuit board, LEDs etc.), fluid channels(such as fluid channeling component 1600) and a multi-element tip cover1010. Multi-element tip cover 1010 is designed to fit over the innerparts of the tip section 1000, and to provide protection to the internalcomponents in the inner part. Multi-element tip cover 1010 includes,according to this embodiment, two parts: a distal component 1050configured to cover a distal part of the tip section and a proximalcomponent 1030 configured to cover a proximal part of the tip section,wherein the distal component and the proximal component are configuredto abut to cover the tip section. Distal component 1050 has a shape of acylinder having a side wall 1052 and a front face 1054, front face 1054is configured to cover a front part 1102 of inner part 1100 of tipsection 1000 and proximal component 1030 has a shape of a cylinderhaving a side wall 1032 without a top or a bottom configured to cover aproximal part 1104 of inner part 1100 of tip section 1000.

Distal component 1050 includes on front face 1054 thereof hole 1056configured to align with front optical assembly 1236 of forwards lookingcamera 1116; optical windows 1242 a, 1242 b and 1242 c of LEDs 1240 a,1240 b and 1240 c; distal opening 1340 of a working channel 1640; distalopening 1344 of a jet fluid channel 1644; and I/I injector 1346(aligning with opening 1664 of Fluid channeling component 1600).

Distal component 1050 further includes on side wall 1052 thereof opticalwindows 1252 a of LED 1250 a and on an opposing side of side wall 1052another optical window of another LED (not shown).

Distal component 1050 further includes on the edge of side wall 1052thereof a recess 1756′ (essentially in a shape of half a hole)configured to accommodate (along with a recess 1756″ on the edge of sidewall 1032 of proximal component 1030) optical assembly 1256 b of sidelooking camera 1120 b. On an opposing side of side wall 1052 there maybe a similar recess (not shown) to accommodate (along with anotherrecess on the edge of an opposing side of side wall 1032 of proximalcomponent 1030) an optical assembly (not shown) of a side looking camera(not shown) located on the other side of inner part 1100.

Proximal component 1030 includes on side wall 1032 thereof opticalwindows 1252 b of LED 1250 b and on an opposing side of side wall 1032another optical window (not shown) of another LED (not shown).

Proximal component 1030 further includes on the edge of side wall 1032thereof a recess 1756″ (essentially in a shape of half a hole)configured to accommodate (along with recess 1756′ on the edge of sidewall 1052 of distal component 1050) optical assembly 1256 b of sidelooking camera 1120 b. On an opposing side of side wall 1032 there is asimilar recess 1756 a″ to accommodate (along with another recess on theedge of an opposing side of side wall 1032 of proximal component 1050)an optical assembly (not shown) of a side looking camera (not shown)located on the other side of inner part 1100.

Proximal component 1030 further includes side I/I injector 1266 badapted to align with side I/I opening 1666 b.

Other parts of inner part 1100 of tip section 1000 may generally besimilar to inner part 1100 of tip section 100 of FIG. 1 a-b.

The method of assembling tip section 1000 over inner part 1100 mayinclude assembling distal component 1050 from the distal part of tipsection 1000, assembling proximal component 1030 from the proximal partof tip section 1000 and joining distal component 1050 and proximalcomponent 1030 along their edges (line 1500) such that none of the tipcover components slides over the optical assemblies of the side lookingcameras.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specificembodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modificationsand variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives,modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scopeof the appended claims. All publications, patents and patentapplications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated intheir entirety by reference into the specification, to the same extentas if each individual publication, patent or patent application wasspecifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein byreference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference inthis application shall not be construed as an admission that suchreference is available as prior art to the present invention.

We claim:
 1. A tip section of an endoscope, the tip section comprising:a fluid channeling component; an electronic circuit board coupled to thefluid channeling component; a viewing element coupled to the electroniccircuit board, the viewing element having an optical axis; and a coverconfigured to cover said electronic circuit board, said viewing element,and said fluid channeling component, wherein the cover comprises: afirst unitary component configured to cover said electronic circuitboard, said viewing element, and said fluid channeling component,wherein the first unitary component comprises a distal face and one ormore side walls extending proximally from said distal face and extendinglongitudinally along a length of the tip section, and wherein the firstunitary component has a central longitudinal axis, the centrallongitudinal axis extending transverse to the optical axis of theviewing element; and a window component configured to be inserted into,and removed from, a window opening in the first unitary component,wherein the window opening is configured to allow access to at least oneof the viewing element and the electronic circuit board without removingthe first unitary component when the window component is removed fromthe window opening, and wherein a central axis of the window openingextends transverse to the optical axis of the viewing element.
 2. Thetip section of claim 1, wherein the viewing element includes a firstside-looking camera for viewing an area on a first side of the firstunitary component, and wherein the tip section further comprises afront-looking camera for viewing an area distal to the distal face ofthe first unitary component, a second side-looking camera for viewing anarea on a second side of the first unitary component opposite the firstside, and wherein the window opening is on a third side of the firstunitary component extending between the first and second sides.
 3. Thetip section of claim 2 wherein the distal face of the first unitarycomponent comprises an opening configured to align with thefront-looking camera.
 4. The tip section of claim 3 wherein the firstside of the first unitary component comprises an opening configured toalign with the first side-looking camera, wherein the opening is in aplanar surface of the first side of the first unitary component, and thewindow opening is in a curved surface of the third side of the firstunitary component.
 5. The tip section of claim 1, further including aplurality of illuminators coupled to the electronic circuit board. 6.The tip section of claim 5 wherein the distal face of the first unitarycomponent comprises a plurality of windows configured to align with saidplurality of illuminators.
 7. The tip section of claim 5 wherein the oneor more side walls of the first unitary component comprises a pluralityof windows configured to align with a portion of said plurality ofilluminators.
 8. In a tip section of an endoscope having a fluidchanneling component, an electronic circuit board, a viewing elementhaving an optical axis, and a cover configured to cover said electroniccircuit board, said viewing element, and said fluid channelingcomponent, a method of using said tip section comprising: installing acylindrical covering component over said electronic circuit board, saidviewing element, and said fluid channeling component, wherein thecylindrical covering component comprises a distal face and one or moreside walls extending proximally from said distal face and extendinglongitudinally along a length of the tip section, and wherein thecylindrical covering component has a central longitudinal axis extendingtransverse to the optical axis the viewing element; and removing awindow component from the cylindrical covering component to access theelectronic circuit board without removing the cylindrical coveringcomponent, wherein the window opening is positioned at a portion of thecylindrical covering component providing an unobstructed pathway betweenan area exterior to the tip section and the electronic circuit boardwhen the window component is removed from the window opening.
 9. Themethod of using said tip section of claim 8, wherein the viewing elementincludes a first side-looking camera for viewing an area on a first sideof the cylindrical covering component, and wherein the tip sectionfurther comprises a front-looking camera for viewing an area distal tothe distal face of the cylindrical covering component, a secondside-looking camera for viewing an area on a second side of thecylindrical covering component opposite the first side, wherein thewindow opening is on a third side of the cylindrical covering componentbetween the first and second sides.
 10. The method of using said tipsection of claim 8, the further including a plurality of illuminatorscoupled to the electronic circuit board.
 11. A tip section of anendoscope, the tip section comprising: a fluid channeling component; anelectronic circuit board coupled to the fluid channeling component; aviewing element coupled to the electronic circuit board, the viewingelement having an optical axis; an illuminator coupled to the electroniccircuit board; and a cover configured to cover portions of saidelectronic circuit board, said viewing element, said illuminator, andsaid fluid channeling component, wherein the cover comprises: a sleeveconfigured to cover said portions of said electronic circuit board, saidviewing element, said illuminator, and said fluid channeling component,wherein the sleeve comprises a distal face and one or more side wallsextending proximally from said distal face and extending longitudinallyalong a length of the tip section, and wherein the sleeve has a centrallongitudinal axis, the central longitudinal axis extending transverse tothe optical axis of the viewing element; and a window componentconfigured to be inserted into, and removed from, a window opening inthe sleeve, wherein the window opening is configured to allow access tosaid portions of said electronic circuit board, said viewing element,and said illuminator without removing the sleeve when the windowcomponent is removed from the window opening, and wherein a central axisof the window opening extends transverse to the optical axis of theviewing element.
 12. The tip section of claim 11, wherein the fluidchanneling component includes a working channel extending therethrough.13. The tip section of claim 12, wherein the distal face of the sleeveincludes an opening aligned with the working channel, wherein the distalface of the sleeve further includes a window aligned with theilluminator.
 14. The tip section of claim 13, wherein the window openingis at the one or more side walls.
 15. The tip section of claim 11,wherein the viewing element is a first viewing element, wherein the tipsection further includes a second viewing element and a third viewingelement, wherein optical axes of the first and second viewing elementsare aligned, and wherein an optical axis of the third viewing elementextends transverse to the optical axes of the first and second viewingelements.
 16. The tip section of claim 11, wherein a length dimension ofthe window opening extending longitudinally along the length of the tipsection is greater than a width dimension of the window opening.
 17. Thetip section of claim 16, wherein a length dimension of the windowcomponent extending longitudinally along the length of the tip sectionis greater than a width dimension of the window component.
 18. The tipsection of claim 11, wherein the window opening includes curved proximaland distal ends, and linear side walls connecting the proximal anddistal ends.
 19. The tip section of claim 18, wherein the windowcomponent includes curved proximal and distal ends, and linear sidewalls connecting the proximal and distal ends.